Robert Merck

Global Head of Real Estate and Agricultural Finance

Robert R. Merck is a senior managing director and global head of real estate and agricultural finance in MetLife Investment Management. In this role, Robert is responsible for managing the commercial mortgage and equity real estate portfolio, as well as its agricultural investments portfolio.

Robert started his career with MetLife in 1982 and has served in various capacities in real estate investments. Since assuming overall responsibility for the real estate and agricultural portfolios in 2003, Robert has implemented strategic initiatives and a risk management focus that have strengthened the portfolios, raised the profile of the franchise, and positively impacted the financial results of the business. Under Robert, the commercial and agricultural mortgage portfolios have quadrupled in size and the platforms have expanded internationally. Under his leadership, MetLife has diversified its real estate equity portfolio, in part through the $5.4 billion sale of Peter Cooper Village / Stuyvesant Town, one of the largest real estate transactions in history. In addition, Robert was responsible for launching the firm’s investment management business in 2012.

Robert received a B.B.A. degree from Emory University and earned his M.B.A from Georgia State University. Robert is an Executive Sponsor of MetLife’s Military Veterans Network. He also serves on the Real Estate Advisory Board of the Emory Goizueta Business School and is a Trustee of the Urban Land Institute.